St Martin's
Guild of Bell Ringers for the Diocese of
Birmingham
The
Bullfighting Bell Ringers by Diane Hooper
A
group of 8 ringers Colin Baugh, Richard Andrew, Gwen Albrow, Gillian
Postill and myself Diane Hooper from St James the Great Shirley :
Julie Hooper, Margaret Burling and Alan Cottrell from St Edburgha
Yardley and 2 walkers John Albrow and Gary Allport, set off on
Saturday 23rd June 2003 to raise money for "Breakthrough"
Breast Cancer. Our aim was to walk eight miles in the Cotswolds and
ring for one hour at each of three towers. Easy!
We
met at Pebworth at 930am and were joined by the Tower Captain Andrew
Baker and also the Tower Captain of St Edburgha Simon Adams to enable
us to ring this now augmented ring of ten bells. Bob Royal and
Grandsire Caters were just two of the methods rung.
After
a good ring it was best foot forward! A pleasant walk through the
village, towards The Priory At this moment we realised that a machete
would have been helpful. I dont think anyone had walked the
pathways since we had done a trial walk 6 weeks previous. It was
definitely an understatement to say that the grass had grown. With
Dr. Livingstone and his trusty walking stick leading us (Colin) we
emerged from the under growth. Great! Over a stile and into a big
open field. Only one small problem a large herd of bulls occupied it.
With no Matadors amongst us it was every man and woman for
themselves. A strategy was called for. So instead of heading to the
next stile which would take us through the middle of the bulls, it
was decided that we would walk round the perimeter fence. Ignore the
bulls, they are only inquisitive, they wont hurt you, so the
men told us women. Are we to argue? !!! With the adrenaline running
and great determination it was forward into battle. Half way across
the bulls became restless so Alan decided to have a chat with them!
They seemed very interested in what he was saying or they had taken a
liking to his dress code, a red jacket. I do believe that bulls are
colour blind, perhaps at this point we shall find out. -I am relieved
to say that everyone including Alan survived.
We
battled our way onwards through field after field of nettles, high
grass, some stiles completely hidden, sheep and several very excited
horses who decided that they should be in the photo shoot. By the
time we reached Mickleton the thought of ringing was very daunting.
These were the heaviest bells of the day 15-3-9. But the warm
welcome from the tower captain John Kinchin and the knowledge that a
pub lunch and an excellent local beer was awaiting us after our ring,
a restored energy level suddenly reappeared.
So
now well watered and fed it was onwards to Meon Hill. Such a
difference although it was an upward climb and the sun
extremely hot the pathways were much easier going. The views from the
hill were spectacular, so a l0 minute rest was taken to appreciate
them.
We
trailed down into Upper Quinton and came upon a flattened dead snake
in the middle of the road, not an every day occurrence. At one of the
stiles poor Richard encountered an electrifying experience from an
adjoining fence. I am happy to report that this did not hamper his
ringing in any way. We eventually arrived in the sleepy village of
Lower Quinton late afternoon and again a warm greeting was awaiting
us from Lydia Stowe, Tower Captain.
We
rang a mixture of doubles and minor methods. We ended the day by
remembering our dear colleague and ringing friend Edric Franklin who
died 12 months ago, by ringing a touch of Stedman. He was a loyal
member of both Shirley and Yardley bands.
After
collecting the cars we returned to the Kings Arms at Mickleton to
reflect on the day. After a few more glasses of the local brew we all
agreed that we had had a good time together, although tired and
exhausted, we all felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Thank you to everyone who supported us and to all our sponsors, we
have so far raised £1030.00. Thanks also to the three Churches
for the use of their bells.
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